The opening of Mater Dei Hospital is another in the series of successful results that will benefit every citizen, who will receive the best possible cure and treatment for free, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi (photo) said during a political activity yesterday.

He also made reference to the signing of an agreement regarding the Ports Reform that will improve commerce. The reform will allow for tariffs to decrease by an average of 20 per cent, which will in turn improve the country’s competitiveness.

The upward trend in the tourism sector continued in May, with an increase in the number of incoming tourists, said Dr Gonzi, adding that during the first five months of this year, the country achieved the best results in the tourism sector over the past five years.

Dr Gonzi said that in a bid to increase tourist numbers in the Bugibba/Qawra area, a detailed development plan was recently announced and the government also has a plan to help three and four-star hotel operators.

He also referred to the SmartCity agreement and the fact that the foundation stone of the new Lufthansa Technik hangar will be laid this week. This project will generate about 500 new employment opportunities, he said.

Malta also received the confirmation that it was the first EU member state to have the plans for its proposed projects approved and the country may begin investing in the EUR855 million (Lm367.05 million) allocation for the next five years.

These are positive results that will benefit citizens, who will be paying less income tax as from this year, because the country’s finances have been strengthened, the prime minister insisted.

In the coming days the government will be publishing the pre-Budget consultation document, which will include ideas proposed during public consultation meetings with Prime Minister Gonzi.

He said that occasions like the opening of Mater Dei Hospital are special moments for whoever is involved in politics and for those who put themselves at the service of others.

Dr Gonzi said it seemed however, that some people were annoyed with this success, which was a pity, because everyone stands to gain from the new hospital.

He said the migration process was the next step following the handover of the hospital from the contractors to the government.

The detailed plan regarding the migration from St Luke’s Hospital to Mater Dei Hospital places a strong emphasis on the fact that every patient should continue being given the best possible treatment and mediocrity will not be accepted, said Dr Gonzi.

The Nationalist Party has a vision for the country for the next eight years or so, which has already started to be implemented, he said.

The prime minister explained that the ambitious vision is focused on seven different sectors, including the health sector. By means of Mater Dei Hospital, the government believes that Malta will have its place on the regional and international map as regards health care.

The government’s ambitious vision for the health sector includes mental health, elderly care, cancer treatment, primary care and community services.

The plan includes Zammit Clapp Hospital – which will be transformed into a specialised hospital for the treatment of cancer – the construction of a new rehabilitation centre with 250 beds in the surroundings of St Vincent de Paul Residence and the heavy investment in communities.

Dr Gonzi also spoke about the tourism sector, saying the country has come a long way by overcoming the difficulties experienced last year. He said it was always important to speak about tourism with caution, because the situation can change overnight.

The government invested heavily in a careful manner to improve the number of incoming tourists to Malta, particularly by increasing advertising and by making good for the introduction of low-cost carriers operating to and from the country, said the prime minister.

He noted that when Labour leader Alfred Sant was prime minister, he had introduced 33 new taxes. These included high water and electricity tariffs that were more expensive than they are now, said Dr Gonzi.

Saying this is a serious government, the prime minister appealed for everyone’s commitment. He noted that when he became prime minister three years ago, he had brought together the heads of departments and public authorities to remind them of their responsibilities.

Dr Gonzi said the government is determined to investigate every allegation being made and the police will be asked to take necessary steps. He said it was disgraceful for the Labour Party to reveal situations where abuse could have taken place, while at the same time trying to blame those who are fighting that same abuse.

The government introduced a law by means of which people that reveal such situations are given protection, said Dr Gonzi, insisting that the government will not tolerate any form of abuse.